Engineering
Our engineering enrichment opportunities encourage students to be inspired, providing students an insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing and product development.
CAD / CAM
Using computers to design and illustrate solutions gives students a firm basis in the modern use of technology. Engineering drawing method is introduced as early as possible and the use of computer aided design programmes allow students to realise their ideas in three dimensional form. This leads directly on to manufacturing prototypes and models using equipment such as a 3D printer so that real life prototypes can be analysed. This is especially useful in post 16 teaching where students are given free access to the 3D printer and encouraged to experiment.
Problem Solving: throughout the early years in secondary school students are challenged to use practical skills in order to solve problems. By analysing and researching methods and products they can learn to develop solutions that can then be evaluated against technical criteria.
Knowledge of Materials: a wide range of projects give students practical experience of the mechanical properties of metals, plastics and timbers. They learn the importance of accuracy and precision and learn to build quality control into their planning.
Production Methods: by employing a variety of processes, students build up a depth of knowledge about the ways in which products and objects are constructed. By analysing other products they also gain experience in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in industrial manufacturing processes.
Clubs: after school clubs offer experience in engineering, manufacturing processes and use of 3D printing. Students are given the freedom to design and build and are offered opportunities to challenge themselves and develop skills. Competitions are also entered into that allow students to challenge other schools and to show their prowess in problem solving.
Robotics @ Stanborough
Stanborough Robotics Club has continued its development in two key robotics platforms, VEX and Lego. Over 40 Year 7 students attend the Lego Robotics Club and all the VEX robotics teams are full. We are also pleased to announce that we hosted our first national robotics competition, which was a big success. We will now be hosting competitions for both Lego Robotics (aimed at KS3) and VEX Robotics (aimed at KS4/5). The robotics teams continue to be successful in local and international competitions, winning trophies in both. For the 4th year in a row we have sent our robotics teams to represent the UK in World VEX Robotics competition in Los Angeles, USA.
VEX Robotics
VEX Robotics inspires students to become the problem solvers. VEX offers students a rich and exciting platform to immerse themselves in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) through the fun of building robots. VEX has been brought into the classroom with the use of their custom curriculum and it is used as a teaching tool through our Robotics Club.
- Highly versatile construction system allows students to build whatever they can imagine
- Rapidly expanding product line from VEX creates new possibilities and ample opportunities for growth
- System is accessible to multiple ages and experience levels
At Stanborough VEX Robotics is aimed at 14 to 18 year olds. Our school is an event partner, meaning we host regional competitions.
Lego Robotics
Lego Robotics is all about tomorrow’s innovators practicing imaginative thinking and teamwork. Lego Robotics teams research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They must also design, build and program a robot using Lego Mindstorms technology, then compete on a table-top playing field.
It all adds up to a lot of fun while learning to apply science, technology, engineering, and maths concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their journey of discovery, students develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges at a First Lego League event.
What our students learn from Lego Robotics Club:
- Research challenges facing today’s scientists
- Design, build, test and program robots using Lego Mindstorms technology
- Apply real-world math and science concepts
- Learn critical thinking, team-building, and presentation skills
- Participate in tournaments and celebrations
At Stanborough Lego Robotics is aimed at 10 to 14 year olds. Our school is an event partner, meaning we host regional competitions for First Lego League.
